Technical Program SSIE 2005

Monday June 27, 2005

9:00-12:30, Tutorial Session
Prof. Witold Krzymien, University of Alberta, Canada: ‘Techniques for high throughput wireless packet data access‘Abstract: In delay-tolerant wireless packet-data applications, throughput can be maximized by exploiting multiuser diversity through scheduling of packet transmissions only to a user (or users) experiencing the (absolutely or relatively) best propagation conditions. To utilize the available channel capacity suitable scheduling algorithms are combined with link adaptation. Advanced hybrid ARQ techniques using soft packet combining and incremental redundancy are used to compensate for errors in channel estimation and feedback transmission. Further gains in spectral efficiency can be achieved by using multi-carrier transmission (OFDM or spread spectrum OFDM). The multi-carrier approach allows for more effective two-dimensional scheduling. The application of multiple antennas results in further capacity gains achievable through spatial multiplexing. It will be demonstrated that gains due to spatial multiplexing can be combined with those due to multiuser diversity, if suitable scheduling is applied. The talk will discuss transmission strategies and scheduling options for single-antenna single-carrier systems, single-antenna multi-carrier systems and multiple antenna single-carrier systems. Theoretical bounds on performance, as well as performance results for specific example cases will be presented. Fundamental differences between transmission and scheduling strategies for single and multiple antenna systems will be exposed.Bressanone 2005 (Krzymien)

9:00-12:30, Tutorial Session
Prof. Christian Schlegel, University of Alberta, Canada: ‘Analog methods for iterative decoding‘Abstract: Iterative decoding of error control codes has become very popular with the invention of turbo codes and their iterative decoding algorithms. The implementation of iterative decoders for both turbo codes as well as low-density parity-check codes is very complex, with digital VLSI circuits requiring millions of gates, even for moderate sized codes. As the speed of digital transmission systems increases, so does the power consumption of the decoding algorithms. Analog decoding is a novel methodology which relies on analog current multipliers that can be realized with very efficient Gilbert multiplier cells. It has been actively researched over the last few years as an alternative to digital implementations and holds the potential of significantly reducing the power requirements, as well as the VLSI footprint of a decoder circuit. In this seminar, we will review the importance of error control coding, and the functionality of low-density parity-check codes as well as the basics of iterative decoding. We will then present the basic principles of carrying out the decoding functions with analog circuits and present state-of-the art results in this novel area.Schlegel05

9:00-12:30, Tutorial Session
Dr. Jan Genoe, IMEC, Belgium: ‘Physics and applications of organic semiconductors‘Abstract The ability of organic semiconductors to obtain decent mobilities has enabled the usage of organic devices, such as transistors. However, the physics of the transport in these materials are substantially different from the transport in classical semiconductor materials. These differences will be discussed and the consequences on devices and applications will be shown. Next, I will detail the growth conditions to obtain high-quality thin films of these organic semiconductors. This high-quality thin-film growth is one of the enablers for the practical devices. Finally, three application areas for organic devices will be discussed, i.e. large area flexible electronics, low-cost printed RF-ID tags, and organic memories for mass-storage.
14:00-17:30 Students Presentations
Elena Autizi (Uni Padova), ‘Prediction of SGH efficiency in real PPLN structures grown by the off-center Czochralski technique’
Simone Levada (Uni Padova), ‘Factors limiting the High Brightness InGan LEDs performance at high injection current bias’
Matteo Meneghini (Uni Padova), ‘Effects of low current ageing on InGaN/GaN LEDs efficiency’
Michele Savi (Uni Bologna), ‘Performance Modelling of Synchronous Bufferless OPS Networks With Partial Wavelength Conversion’
Luca Schenato (Uni Padova), ‘Design of optical fibers with Low Polarization Mode Dispersion for Ultrawide Band Applications’

Thursday June 30, 2005

9:00-12:30, Tutorial Session
Dr. Eric Sun, ZTE Communications, China, ‘Next Generation Networks – The story of Fixed and Mobile Convergence‘Abstract: The merge of IP technology paves the way for the next generation network (NGN). For years, network operators and equipement vendors have viewed the coming together of fixed and mobile networks – ‘fixed-mobile convergence’ for short – as the next step for the telecom industry. However, the industrie’s interest in the convergence has changed, from running one network to save money, to giving users acccess to fixed and mobile communication via the same interface. Then, where does the convergence take place? In terminals, access network, core network or service metwork? Which are the standard bodies concerned with fixed-mobile convergence? Whose interest does each of these organizations represent? What are the key technologies behind the convergence? Why do we say Skype is the most disruptive technology? How do we build a seccussful business model for NGN? What is the impact of NGN on our economy?NGN